Physical performance among post-COVID and non-COVID individuals: a comparative study

In this comparative cross-sectional study, we compare the physical performance among post-COVID and non-COVID subjects. A sample of 64 subjects recovered from COVID-19 and 64 subjects who were not infected with COVID-19 were recruited for the study. Both groups were tested for physical performance by 30-s sit-to-stand test, 6-min walk test, and HUMAC balance system. The findings of the present study reveal that there was a significant difference in physical performance between both the groups. In conclusion, this study demonstrated that physical performance is impaired in the post-COVID subjects as compared to the matched non-COVID subjects. Therefore, physical therapy exercise program/regimen should be a part of recovery from COVID-19.

Effect of sciatic nerve mobilisation on muscle flexibility among diabetic and non-diabetic sedentary individuals: a comparative study

The purpose of the present study was to compare the effect of sciatic nerve mobilisation on muscle flexibility among diabetic and non-diabetic sedentary individuals. The study was a pre-post experimental-group design. A sample of 40 sedentary subjects was assigned into two groups; Group A (diabetics: 10 males and 10 females) and Group B (non-diabetics: 10 males and 10 females). Both groups were tested for hamstring and calf flexibility following which sciatic nerve mobilisation was given to the most affected lower limb in terms of reduced hamstring and calf flexibility. Hamstring flexibility was checked by active knee extension test and calf flexibility was checked with the distance-to-wall technique using a tape measure. It was a two-week program in which subjects were given sciatic nerve mobilisation using sliders technique after which flexibility was checked. Three sessions per week were given for two weeks and muscle flexibility of hamstring and calf was measured after the intervention. The present study findings reveal that sciatic nerve mobilisation by sliders technique when given to diabetic and non-diabetic groups of sedentary individuals for two weeks, enhance patient outcomes in both the groups in terms of increase in hamstring and calf flexibility, but results were more significant in non-diabetic individuals as compared to diabetic individuals. In conclusion, sciatic nerve mobilisation resulted in an increase of muscle flexibility of hamstring and calf muscles in both groups.

Effect of inspiratory muscle training in hypercapnic chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients during acute care: a randomised clinical trial

Weakness of respiratory muscles along with respiratory failure is a common finding in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients which leads to dyspnoea and hence decreased functional capacity. Despite a sound theoretical rationale regarding the potential role of inspiratory muscles, the role of inspiratory muscle training (IMT) along with the conventional non-invasive ventilation (NIV) on important clinical outcomes has not been investigated in these patients during acute care. 34 hypercapnic stable COPD patients were randomly allocated to one of the interventions that lasted for 10 days: IMT with NIV (n=17), and NIV alone (n=17). IMT was administered 2 times in a day (15 min each time) by threshold loading at an intensity starting from 30% and progressed to 60% of their maximal inspiratory effort (PImax). NIV was given at an optimal pressure titrated for each patient for at least >8 h per day. Outcome measures (respiratory muscle strength, respiratory failure, dyspnoea, and functional capacity) were assessed before and after 10 days of intervention. Clinical characteristics and outcome variables of patients were similar between the groups at baseline. Addition of IMT led to a significantly greater increase in respiratory muscle strength (P=0.01), reduction in dyspnea (modified medical research council dyspnea scale, P=0.001); improved outcomes of respiratory failure (PaCO2, P=0.03; PaO2, P=0.002) and improved functional capacity (6 min walk distance, P=0.001) as compared to NIV alone. A short duration IMT program in addition to NIV was found to be effective in improving respiratory muscle strength, perception of dyspnoea, functional capacity and respiratory failure in hypercapnic COPD patients.